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Make it personal

Pioneer Press

Posted:
03/13/2014 12:01:00 AM CDT

Updated:
03/13/2014 07:05:12 PM CDT

I would like to ask everyone (especially the men) at the Capitol in D.C. and the Pentagon to look into the eyes of the women who have been and continue to be sexually abused by men of power in the armed services ("Senate rejects stronger bill on military sexual assaults," March 7). Please picture the face of your sister, daughter, wife, favorite aunt or cousin. Then ask ... would I support changes in the military prosecution -- or lack of it -- of abuse/rape assaults if the victim was a member of MY family? It is my belief that laws would be immediately changed if this crime is made very, very personal. The commanders allowing this to continue have already "undermined their authority with their troops." They have nothing to lose by embracing honesty and morality in the name of justice.

Nancy Lanthier Carroll, Little Canada

An extraordinary opportunity

As CEO of Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, and writing for the state's oldest and largest construction trade association, AGC believes the PolyMet project represents an extraordinary opportunity for all Minnesotans.

This project will infuse economic vitality into communities that understand and embrace the importance of clean air and water, and the conservation of our forests, wildlife and countryside. Not only will meaningful jobs be created across a wide spectrum of careers, but confidence and faith in Minnesota industry will be uplifted, finding its way into communities, schools and families.

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One of Minnesota's greatest assets is our workforce, which values safety and productivity. It is time to put Minnesotans to work and allow PolyMet to move forward. It will be built safely and responsibly, by proud men and women who believe their efforts will contribute to more livable communities, increased jobs and a healthier economy.

Dave Semerad, St. Paul

Enormous risks

It is ironic that while some parts of the country are literally running out of water ("California town struggles to save water supply," March 6), we are being asked to allow PolyMet to start a mining operation in northeastern Minnesota that would pollute our water to such an extent that cleanup would be needed for up to hundreds of years -- although no one knows how long the treatment might actually be needed ("After mining is done, could PolyMet afford cleanup?" Feb. 9). That's a frightening prospect. I'm in favor of job and business growth, but not when it comes with such enormous risks. Are Minnesotans really willing to gamble with our precious water resources? I hope the citizens and legislators of this state think long and hard about protecting our water supply for future generations and say NO to this risky business.

Nancy Wiens, St. Paul

Divine intervention

The article March 5 ("Letter carrier comes to aid of injured homeowner") about the letter carrier who was delivering a package sent by a homeowner's child is a refreshing reminder that there is more going on than simply coincidences. The letter carrier usually drops mail in the box on the street, but on this day he had to walk to the front door of the house to drop off the package. As he arrived at the door, he heard the sounds of someone in the garage asking for help. The carrier called the authorities and help arrived for a gentleman who was injured and unable to move. What a perfect incident of divine intervention.